System for automatic configuration of a mobile communication system

ABSTRACT

A communication system includes a receive antenna for receiving communication signals, processing circuitry for processing the received communication signals and repeating the signals for further transmission and at least one transmit antenna for transmitting the repeated signals. The processing circuitry utilizes configurable settings for controlling the operation of the communication system and the configurable settings are variable for varying the operation of the system. The processing circuitry is further operable for receiving inputs regarding current operating conditions of the communication system and for selectively adapting the configurable settings of the system based upon the operating condition inputs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of, and claims thebenefit of and priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/377,774,entitled “SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION OF A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONSYSTEM” filed on Dec. 13, 2016, which is a continuation application of,and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/427,347, entitled “SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION OF A MOBILECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM” filed on Apr. 21, 2009, each of which areincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to mobile communication systems, such as repeatersand distributed antenna systems generally and, more specifically, to amobile communication system that operates in an environment havingchanging conditions and changing locations.

BACKGROUND

Repeaters, distributed antenna systems, and similar systems arecommunications systems that are used to extend coverage into areas wherethe RF penetration from base stations (BTS) is limited or not present.Those areas might be inside buildings, in tunnels, shadowed areas thatare behind mountains, underground train systems, and various otherisolated areas. Generally, applications for such communications systemsare for situations where the repeater or distributed antenna system isimmobile and is mounted in a location. That is, it is a fixedinstallation. In other applications, the area that has limited signalpenetration of the RF signals is mobile. That is, the repeater ordistributed antenna system is mobile and is installed in a moving ormobile system such as a train, a ship, a car, a bus or an airplane.

A configuration for a mobile communication system, such as a repeater ora distributed antenna system (DAS system) typically has variousconfiguration parameters or operational settings that include, forexample, filter definitions (Start and Stop frequency or centerfrequency and bandwidth, filter type), gain settings and/or set powerlevel settings for each filter section, modem or communication settings,and general operational settings (On/Off).

In mobile applications, the areas that the moving system is travellingthrough might not allow the system to keep the same configuration orconfiguration parameters for proper operation. For example, as avehicle, such as a train or bus, moves from one cellular coverage areato another, the established frequency subbands and standards availablefor network communication may change. Various other operationalconditions may change as well. It would be desirable for a mobilecommunication system or other mobile RF transmission system toaccommodate these changes.

SUMMARY

An adaptive system or method provides selective adaptation or variationof a communication system's operational configuration to automaticallyadapt to changing details within its environment. A controllerassociated with the communication system determines operational andenvironmental conditions from a variety of factors and inputs. Thecontroller sets the repeater to an operational configuration appropriateto the determined operational and environmental conditions.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a repeater system for use in a mobile environment inaccordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the components in an exemplary repeateraccording to the invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating the components in an exemplarydistributed antenna system according to the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 38 are a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process forselectively varying or adapting repeater configuration according to theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process forselectively varying or adapting a repeater configuration including ahysteresis provision according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The examples disclosed herein of an adaptive communication system in amobile environment are exemplary of the invention and do not limit thescope of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize a varietyof applications and embodiments of the invention from the disclosureherein. Illustration and discussion are for an exemplary repeater butthe system might also be a distributed antenna system, or some othersystem that transceives and/or repeats communication signals between asignal source (e.g., a base station) and mobile equipment (e.g., a cellphone).

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary mobile communication system 10 that acts aspart of a mobile communication network by facilitating communicationbetween one or more base stations 20 and one or more mobile devices 30that are in use in a mobile platform or moving environment, such as on atrain 40. Although the exemplary adaptive communication system 10 isshown on a train 40, the system may be disposed in any other appropriatemobile environment, such as in a plane, ship, or automotive vehicle. Theinvention's use is not limited to the disclosed examples.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of one embodiment of an adaptive mobilerepeater 10. A donor antenna 12 transmits and receives (or transceives)signals with one or more base stations 20. A coverage antenna 14transceives signals with one or more mobile devices 30. Within therepeater 10, a processor/controller 50 receives information about themobile environment and uses this information to maintain or selectivelyvary or adapt the configurable repeater settings of the adaptiverepeater. The controller may be linked to various external devices orsources using appropriate interfaces 42 for providing the system withthe information it needs to adapt. On-board measurement devices 18, suchas a GPS, clocks, or speedometers, for example, send data to thecontroller 50 using appropriate interfaces. Additionally, other externaldevices/sources using interfaces 42, such as devices/systems associatedwith the mobile vehicle, also contribute to the controller 50. System 10has appropriate interface circuitry for such inputs/outputs. Theinterfaces provide information regarding current operating conditions ofthe repeater. System 10 has appropriate memory and/or may accessexternal memory, such as through other appropriate inputs. A graphicaluser interface (GUI) 16 may also be used to allow a user to input andoutput data and for other user control of the adaptive repeatersettings. FIG. 2A illustrates another possible embodiment for theinvention, including a distributed antenna system 10 a that has multipledistribution or transmission antennas 14 a, 14 b, 14 c with othersimilar elements having similar reference numerals as in FIG. 2.

Information about the repeater environment and operating conditions thatmay be handled by interface 42 may include, for example, the repeater'sgeographical location, the properties of the mobile network that itlinks to or “sees”, properties of received signals, the location andproperties of base stations that interface with the repeater, anddetails about the local mobile environment in which the repeater issituated or moving. This list of exemplary conditions and information isnot exhaustive; other information may be available for use inconfiguring the systems 10, 10 a.

Furthermore, various types of information might be used to adapt thesystem of the invention. That is, different inputs might reflect thecurrent operating conditions (e.g., location, network properties, signalproperties, etc.) and might be used in various combinations to adapt thesystem.

Location Information

As one set of inputs through interface 42, a mobile communication systemmay receive coordinate information indicating the system's geographicallocation. The repeater may collect these location coordinates directly,such as through its on-board positioning system such as satellitereferences (GPS) or terrestrial signals (LORAN). Alternatively, thesystem and controller 50 may be fed location coordinates through anotherconnected system. For example, a positioning system on board a vehiclemay be in communication with a central system that controls routing andscheduling information for the vehicle or mobile platform, such as train40. The central system then conveys coordinates directly to the adaptivecommunication system 10 or to other equipment on board the vehicle thatis then fed to the adaptive repeater.

A base station 20 may also communicate its location (either its absoluteposition or its location relative to the repeater), using coordinatesignals such as GPS coordinates transmitted by a BTS. For example, aCOMA system base station sends location coordinates. Those locationcoordinates may then be used and compared against a list of coordinates.The base station might also provide its transmitting and receivingfrequency bands, its network configuration, information aboutneighboring base stations, and other relevant information. Thisinformation may also be used to adapt the repeater system of theinvention. This information may be conveyed by a broadcast controlchannel associated with a base station, for example.

Location information may also be arrived at indirectly through the useof other received data. For example, data that identifies the origin ofa network or signal, information about the location of a base station,vehicle itinerary information, or even user-input location informationmay be used to determine location for the purpose of selectivelyadapting the repeater system to vary its operation. Therefore, thelocation of the mobile system, the location of the network and basestations or both might be used for selectively adapting the mobilesystem of the invention.

Network Properties

In another embodiment of the invention, properties of a network that therepeater interfaces with may be directly communicated to the repeater asan operating condition for the purpose of adapting the repeater system.Base stations may transmit various system information elements that areused by controller 50 to identify the base station. In the case of a GSMnetwork, the codes received may include a mobile country code (MCC),mobile network code (MNC), cell identity code (CI), location area code(LAC), network color code (NCC), or a base station color code (BCC).These various system codes are used for GSM/UMTS networks. If anothernetwork, such as a COMA network, is in use, other different codes may betransmitted by a base station. A base station may transmit otheridentifying network signals associated with the properties of thenetwork so that the repeater knows its current operating conditions. Therepeater or other system then adapts to operate properly in theproximate network. Such network codes may be applicable to one frequencygroup, which represents an operator's frequency subbands within one RFband.

Properties of a network can also be determined through the use of otherdata inputs. Where network properties are tied to a physical location, arepeater may be able to use its location or the location of a proximatebase station to arrive at information about a network.

Signal Properties

Additionally, the presence and strength of a signal in certain frequencyband and subband ranges may indicate certain network properties andcertain operating conditions. A repeater may be able to directly measurethe signal frequency band, signal strength, or degree of signaldistortion. Signal properties may also be communicated to the repeaterthrough other inputs.

For example, the signal level of the received signal strength indicator(RSSI) or the signal level of a decoded signal, (a broadcast or beaconchannel (BCCH) for GSM or a pilot signal) within a particular operator'sfrequency subband, might be monitored to determine current operatingconditions. For example, looking at the RSSI level at a certainfrequency may indicate a particular location of the repeater or thatcertain frequencies exist in certain areas. If the inputs to interface42 of the repeater system 10 detect energy in a certain frequency range,the repeater system might be adapted for that particular scenario.Therefore, signal conditions and properties of the signals detected bythe repeater may be used to reflect current operating conditions andused to therefore adapt the repeater system according to the invention.

Environmental Details

Relevant details of the local mobile environment may also be used forselective adaptation according to the invention. They might includespeed, ambient temperature, lightning conditions, time of day, wirelessnetwork traffic load/congestions, the presence of obstacles to RFtransmission (e.g., presence in a building or tunnel), and logisticalinformation (such as whether a vehicle currently has passengers). Arepeater may be set up to measure one or more local details orconditions directly (such as an on-board motion detector, light meter,or clock). Alternatively, local conditions may be received from anoutside input through interface 42, such as a vehicle controller. Localconditions may also be derived from other data, such as the use of GPSdata over time to determine speed, for example.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, specific input signalsets or data sets reflective of different operating conditions, and theknowledge of such conditions are used to configure the repeater or othercommunication system automatically to accommodate the conditions. Theconditions might be determined using one or more of the inputs throughinterface 42 noted above. Also, while one or more inputs might indicatea certain condition, such as location of the repeater, one or moreadditional inputs might be used to verify the condition. Such conditionsmight include for example:

-   -   Condition 1—Location within Cartographic Boundary 1 (shape of        Switzerland)    -   Condition 2—Location within Cartographic Boundary 2 (boundary of        bigger city frequency planning zone)    -   Condition 3—Speed above 200 km/h (the repeater needs to follow        RSSI changes using a quick mode)    -   Condition 4—Speed below 2 km/h (the repeater is most likely not        in movement)    -   Condition 5—MCC is part of list {228} (repeater is located with        the reach of a BTS of Switzerland)    -   Condition 6—MNC is part of list {01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,50,51}    -   Condition 7—Time is between 6 am and 11 pm (train hours of        operation)

In one embodiment, the export, import, and the display or viewing of theoperating conditions, such as the cartographic boundary files, isaccessible through the GUI 16 associated with the adaptive repeater 10.In determining the existence of certain operating conditions, theprocessor 50 of repeater system 10 provides verification and errorchecking. For example, there may be a check performed on whether aparticular number is within an allowed range or whether a cartographicboundary file constitutes an unsegmented area. Where a cartographicboundary is used in conjunction with the GUI 16, a cartographic boundarymay be used in conjunction with a map file as a background fororientation purposes.

Based on one or more inputs or other data through interface 42 thatreflect current operating conditions of the system, the system adaptsits operation or changes its configuration to adapt to the newconditions. That is, certain condition inputs/data and sets of inputs orconditions result in a change in the configuration of the repeatersystem. Generally, in one embodiment, the adaptation is automatic uponthe sensing of a change in the operating conditions of the system. Thecontroller 50 may affect such adaptation or change in the system byadapting one or more of the various configurable settings of the system.Certain configuration changes or configurable settings may include, forexample:

-   -   Setting the system or repeater filter to reflect certain bands        and subbands and the filter type.    -   Setting the system or repeater gain values (or the power level)        for different frequency subbands/filter sections.    -   Configuring the transmission properties, including network        details of the system.    -   Activating or deactivating certain system or repeater functions,        including signal transmission.    -   Entering specialized modes, such as the use of a fast gain        tracking algorithm using RSSI or pilot data at higher speeds.

Other configurable settings might be changed and the present inventionis not limited to one or more particular settings. There are multipleways to implement the use of condition inputs and data to adaptivelyconfigure the repeater or other system. In one embodiment, eachconfiguration file that may be selected includes a complete list of theconfigurable settings or parameters for the repeater system. In anotherembodiment, one or more selectable configuration files may include onlya subset of the configurable settings or parameters. In such a subsetcase, the repeater system may revert to default settings and parametersfor those settings not included specifically in the configuration file.Alternatively, the repeater may leave settings that are not included inan implemented configuration file in the same condition as they were inbefore the new configuration file was implemented and the system wasadapted. That is, only some of the settings or parameters might beadapted while other settings might remain the same or change to adefault condition.

A condition set for causing adaptation may include a single condition ormultiple conditions. Multiple conditions may be arranged in a logicalargument fashion for selective adaptation. For some condition sets,satisfying at least one condition may satisfy the entire condition set(such as a logical “OR” series). For other condition sets, satisfyingthe condition set may require satisfying every condition in the set(such as a logical “AND” series). Other condition sets may be satisfiedby other logical combinations of conditions as will be understood by aperson of ordinary skill in the art, such as, for example, some ORconditions combined with one or more AND conditions. To that end, theprocessor may implement a series of condition sets in a particular orderto determine when and how to adapt or configure the repeater. As will beunderstood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the invention isnot limited to particular sets of conditions or the order such sets andconditions are utilized for the purpose of adaptation.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary method for processing a seriesof condition sets and implementing an operational configurationaccording to the present conditions as detected by inputs to interface42 of the repeater system. As shown, the method includes differentcondition sets associated with a location within specific frequencyplanning zones, communication with specific base stations, a mobilevehicle moving at high travel speeds, and conditions where the repeaterdoes not need to transmit. The method illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 38 isonly one exemplary logic process and does not limit the scope of theinvention. A variety of different conditions may result in a variety ofdifferent configurations. A variety of logic operators, inputs, andevaluative criteria may be used to determine which configuration orconfigurations to use.

In the FIGS. 3A-38 and the table below, various logical criteria are setforth for adapting or configuring the repeater system in accordance withthe invention. For example, in block 60, conditions may be tested todetermine the location of the mobile communication system and the mobileenvironment and/or the position or location of the base station that themobile system is currently communicating with. For example, GPScoordinates for the mobile platform (e.g., a moving train) may indicatethe repeater system is in a particular cartographic boundary (e.g.,boundary 1, or a country or state). Or, a GPS input for the coordinatesof the base station may indicate that the repeater system is interfacingwith a base station located within a cartographic boundary 1 (forexample, the shape or country of Switzerland). Alternatively, as shownin block 60, the base station 10, which may be reflected in theparticular mobile country code (MCC=228), or a mobile network code (MNCis found in the list 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 50, 51) mayindicate that the base station is within a defined zone (i.e., zone 1).If at least one of such conditions is met affirmatively, then therepeater system might be adapted or configured with the configurablesettings of configuration 1, as indicated by block 62 in FIG. 3A. Thatis, configuration 1 is selected based upon the inputs/data regardingoperating conditions. The one or more configurable settings associatedwith the configuration are used to adapt the system. That is, thefilters might be set with respect to a particular frequency planningzone 1. Also, the network and signal parameters might be set accordingto zone 1 base station defaults.

Alternatively, if the conditions from the condition set reflected inblock 60 are not met, a further test might be made to determine whetherthe conditions from another condition set are met, such as from thecondition set indicated by block 64. As illustrated, current operatingconditions and inputs might be evaluated to determine if the repeatersystem is operating in a different boundary or zone. If so, the repeatersystem might be configured or adapted according to the settings of theconfiguration 2 set forth in block 66. That is, configuration 2 isselected. Alternatively, as indicated by blocks 68 and 72, the datathrough the interface 42 to the repeater system might be processed, andthereby indicate that the current operating conditions show that therepeater is currently communicating with a particular base station(e.g., base station A, base station B). If the repeater system iscommunicating with base station A, configuration 3 might be utilized asset forth in block 70 of FIG. 3A. Alternatively, configuration 4 mightbe utilized as set forth in block 74, when the computer system iscommunicating with base station B. As noted above, various base stationinformation, such as network ID codes, base station coordinates, signalproperties, and other input/data information, might be utilized todetermine the identity of a particular base station communicating withthe repeater system.

If previous condition sets are not met based upon evaluation of theoperating conditions, still other conditions, such as environmentalconditions, might also be monitored. For example, as in block 76 shownin FIG. 3B, information regarding the speed of the mobile system mightbe determined. For example, if the speed of the vehicle housing therepeater is in excess of 200 km/hour as indicate by block 76,configuration 5 might be utilized, as shown in block 78, so that therepeater system may use fast gain tracking algorithms for properinterfacing with a base station. Still other conditions might be tested,as shown in block 80. For example, the location of the mobile repeaterplatform, such as the operation or movement of the vehicle housing therepeater might be determined. For example, if the current time does notindicate operation of the vehicle according to an operational schedule,or if a GPS positioning indicates that the vehicle is within theboundary of a stationery location such as a train station, and the basestation signal strength is above a threshold, configuration 6 might beutilized as shown by block 82 in FIG. 3B. In that case, the uplink gainmight be reduced to 0 dB, and the transmission turned OFF, and therepeater placed in standby mode.

If none of the various condition sets are met, a default configuration,or configuration 0 might be used as shown in block 84 to set the defaultsettings for the repeater.

Condition Configuration GPS position given within Config1: Set filter tocorrespond to boundary 1 OR base station subbands associated withfrequency position within boundary planning zone 1; set network and 1 ORbase station ID signal parameters according to zone within zone 1 1 basestation defaults GPS position given within Config2: Set filter tocorrespond to boundary 2 OR base station subbands associated withfrequency position within boundary planning zone 2; set network and 2 ORbase station ID signal parameters according to zone within zone 2 2 basestation defaults Communicating with Base Config3: Set filter tocorrespond to Station A subbands associated with zone of Base Station A;network and signal transmission settings in line with Base Station ACommunicating with Base Config4: Set filter to correspond to Station Bsubbands associated with zone of Base Station B; network and signaltransmission settings in line with Base Station B Speed in excess of 200kph Config5: Use fast gain tracking algorithm [Time not within operationConfig6: Transmission off; repeater schedule of vehicle OR GPS instandby mode position given within boundary 3 (train station)] AND basestation signal strength above threshold None of the above Config0:Default settings for repeater

In one embodiment, the GUI 16 of the repeater 10 is operable to enter,view, and modify both the conditions of the condition sets, the setsthemselves, and configuration files used for adaptation to adapt theconfigurable settings of the mobile system. Alternatively, the repeater10 may receive condition sets and configuration files input by acentralized controller or other external source or device. Conditionsets and configurations and configuration files are easily edited orchanged, such as through the GUI, to suit the mobile environment inwhich the repeater operates. The configuration files contain informationor data regarding at least one of the configurable settings for therepeater system.

In one embodiment, the configuration or adaptation could be set entirelyby the determined location of the repeater 10. The logic control in thatcase could include multiple levels of configuration for differentlocation conditions. Within the vicinity of a specific coordinate (suchas a train station, harbor, base station, tunnel, airport, bus station,or the like), a configuration specific to that location is used. Forexample, if the repeater is at coordinates xy1, use configuration 100,or if it is at coordinates xy2, use configuration 200. Outside of suchspecific points but within a zone defining a particular region (such asa metropolitan area), a region-specific configuration is used. Forexample, in a zone defining a city or metropolitan area, differentconfigurations are used. Outside of a region but within a country orstate, a configuration appropriate to that country or state might beused. Outside of any defined cartographic boundary, a defaultconfiguration is used. In that way, multiple levels of geographic zonesare use. Any appropriate logic set can be used to match configurationsto any appropriate set of determined conditions and controller 50 may beconfigured in that way.

Conditions, condition sets, and related configuration files may bestored in memory in any appropriate format. The memory might exist asmemory 17 on the system or might be external and accessed by the systemby an appropriate interface. In one embodiment, condition sets may bestored and processed as XML files. Configuration sets or files for usefor use in the invention may be generated externally with some specificeditor. Then, upon certain conditions or condition sets being met, asdetermined by the inputs to interface 42 and processor 50, a particularconfiguration set or configuration file might be selected. Theconfigurable settings are then selected according to that configurationor configuration file. The repeater system 10 might be set up orconfigured for a particular set of conditions. That configuration setmay then be stored under a particular file name and then subsequentlyaccessed upon the need to adapt the repeater system based on currentoperating conditions. The various export, import, and display of thevarious configuration sets and files may be implemented utilizing theGUI. Cartographic boundary information may also be stored and evaluatedusing a geographic shape file. For example, a shape file such as theASCII format file on the census.gov website might be used. Otherformats, such as the formats offered by common GIS (geographicinformation system) software might be used. Shape files are alsoavailable, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in theart, and can be utilized in embodiments of the invention.

The repeater system 10 and processor 50 might also be configured so thatthe repeater system logs each configuration as it is used, with each logentry including the time and date (time-stamp), the configuration inuse, and the conditions that triggered the use of that configuration,such as the geographical position that caused the adaptation. A personof ordinary skill in the art in the use of mobile devices willappreciate the addition of a variety of functional features that followfrom the present disclosure.

The logic used by the controller 50 to determine when to alter therepeater configuration may include a hysteresis loop or otherprogramming to reduce or prevent oscillation between configurations whenthe system is near a condition boundary. Hysteresis may include, forexample, a minimum time spent in each configuration before theconfiguration can be changed. FIG. 4 illustrates the addition of a logicstep in the control process that requires that a new operating conditionbe met consistently for a period of time before the configuration of therepeater will change.

Although the disclosure herein discusses use of the invention withregard to a repeater, these same methods can be applied to basestations, distributed antenna systems, and other types of RFtransceivers and communication systems that operate in mobileenvironments.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofthe embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been describedin considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details representative apparatusand method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly,departures may be made from such details without departure from thespirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of propagating communication signals ina changing environment, the method comprising: receiving communicationsignals with a communication system; processing the receivedcommunication signals and repeating the signals for furthertransmission; transmitting the repeated signals with the communicationsystem; having stored in memory, a plurality of configurations, theconfigurations each being associated with a plurality of configurablesettings for controlling the operation of the processing of thecommunication signals; having stored in memory, a plurality of definedcartographic boundaries, a plurality of configurable settings beingassociated with each respective cartographic boundary; utilizing aselectable configuration and the respective plurality of configurablesettings for controlling the processing of the communication signals,the associated plurality of configurable settings being selectable forvarying the operation of the communication system as environmentalconditions, defined by one or more current operating conditions, change;receiving at least one input regarding the one or more current operatingconditions, wherein the at least one current operating condition inputincludes at least one input representing a current geographical locationof the communication system; evaluating the received operating conditioninput to determine if a current geographical location of thecommunication system falls inside a specific cartographic boundary;selecting from memory a specific configuration and the associatedplurality of configurable settings that are associated with thecartographic boundary and adapting the system to the associatedconfiguration and configurable settings based upon the current operatingconditions.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving oneor both of the plurality of configurations and plurality of definedcartographic boundaries by the communication system from an externalsource via an interface.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein one or bothof the plurality of configurations and plurality of defined cartographicboundaries are received from a centralized controller communicativelycoupled to the interface.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein one or bothof the plurality of configurations and plurality of defined cartographicboundaries are received from a user interface device communicativelycoupled to the interface.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the environmental conditions is based on a measurement of ambientenvironmental parameters.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the ambientenvironmental parameters include at least one of: a detected motion, atemperature, a measured light level, a time of day.
 7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein selecting from memory a specific configuration and theassociated plurality of configurable settings is further determined as afunction of at least one of: traffic conditions on the system, thepresence of obstacles to radio frequency transmission, and logisticalinformation regarding a platform containing the communication system. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one input the one or morecurrent operating conditions includes an input directed to at least oneof: the identification of at least one base station that is currentlycommunicating with the communication system, the identification of atleast one network that is currently communicating with the communicationsystem.
 9. A communication system for use in a changing environment, thesystem comprising: at least one receive antenna for receivingcommunication signals; processing circuitry for processing the receivedcommunication signals and repeating the signals for furthertransmission; at least one transmit antenna for transmitting therepeated signals; the processing circuitry configured for utilizing atleast one configurable setting for controlling the operation of thecommunication system, the configurable setting being adaptable forvarying the operation of the communication system as environmentalconditions, defined by one or more current operating conditions, change;a plurality of selectable and defined configurations stored in a memory,the configurations each being associated with a plurality ofconfigurable settings for controlling the operation of the processingcircuitry of the communication system; a plurality of definedcartographic boundaries stored in the memory, a respective plurality ofconfigurable settings being associated with each respective cartographicboundary; the processing circuitry further operable for receiving atleast one input regarding the one or more current operating conditionsof the communication system, wherein the at least one current operatingcondition input includes at least one input representing a currentgeographical location of the communication system; the processingcircuitry configured for evaluating the received operating conditioninputs to determine if a current geographical location of thecommunication system falls inside a specific cartographic boundary andfurther configured for selecting from the memory a specific associatedplurality of configurable settings that are associated with the specificcartographic boundary and adapting the system to the associatedplurality of configurable settings based upon the current operatingconditions.
 10. The system of claim 9, the processing circuitrycomprising an interface, wherein the processing circuitry is configuredto receive one or both of the plurality of configurations and pluralityof defined cartographic boundaries by the communication system from anexternal source via the interface.
 11. The system of claim 9, whereinone or both of the plurality of configurations and plurality of definedcartographic boundaries are received from a centralized controllercommunicatively coupled to the interface.
 12. The system of claim 9,wherein one or both of the plurality of configurations and plurality ofdefined cartographic boundaries are received from a user interfacedevice communicatively coupled to the interface.
 13. The system of claim9, wherein at least one of the environmental conditions is based on ameasurement of ambient environmental parameters.
 14. The system of claim13, wherein the ambient environmental parameters include at least oneof: a detected motion, a temperature, a measured light level, a time ofday.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein processing circuitry selectsfrom memory a specific configuration and the associated plurality ofconfigurable settings as a function of at least one of: trafficconditions on the system, the presence of obstacles to radio frequencytransmission, and logistical information regarding a platform containingthe communication system.
 16. The system of claim 9, wherein the atleast one input the one or more current operating conditions includes aninput directed to at least one of: the identification of at least onebase station that is currently communicating with the communicationsystem; and the identification of at least one network that is currentlycommunicating with the communication system.
 17. A communication systemfor a mobile environment, the communicating system comprising: acontroller for processing a communication signal and amplifying thecommunication signal for retransmission, wherein the communicationsignal is received via at least one receive antenna and furthertransmitted via at least one transmit antenna; a GPS system designed tosend coordinate information and geographical information to thecontroller, the coordinate information indicating the geographicallocation of the communication system; a memory adapted to store:information about cartographic boundaries; a first condition associatedwith at least one configurable setting of the communication system, thefirst condition being met when the communication system is within afirst cartographic boundary bounding a city; a second and a thirdcondition, wherein the second and third conditions are associated withat least one configurable setting of the communication system, thesecond condition being satisfied when the communication system is withina second cartographic boundary, bounding one country, the secondcartographic border surrounding the first cartographic border, and thethird condition being met when the communication system is outside thefirst cartographic border, wherein the at least one configurable settingcomprises setting the gain values of the communication system fordifferent frequency subbands, wherein the controller is configured toreceive a plurality of inputs in response to current operatingconditions, the plurality of inputs including coordinate informationindicating the geographic location of the communication system, thecoordinate information being detected by the GPS system; wherein thecontroller is further configured to one or both of: adjust thecommunication system by the one or more configurable settings associatedwith the first condition when it is determined that the first conditionis met; or adjust the communication system by the one or moreconfigurable settings associated with the second and third conditionswhen it is determined that at least one of the second condition or thirdconditions are met.
 18. The communication system of claim 17, whereinthe GPS system is an on-board GPS system.
 19. The communication systemof claim 17, wherein the GPS system sends the coordinate information bymeans of an interface to the controller.
 20. The communication system ofclaim 17, wherein the second and third conditions define a firstconditional set, the first conditional set being at least associatedwith a configurable setting and wherein the first conditional set issatisfied when the second condition and the third condition are met. 21.The communication system of claim 17, wherein the communication systemfurther comprises a graphical user interface adapted to allow access toimport, export and viewing of cartographic boundary files using acartographic border in conjunction with a map file as the background.22. The communication system of claim 17, wherein the communicationsystem further comprises at least one receiving antenna for receivingcommunication signals from a base station.
 23. The communication systemof claim 17, wherein the communication system further comprises at leastone transmitting antenna.
 24. The communication system of claim 17,wherein the at least one configurable setting further comprises at leastone of: enabling or disabling the repeater signal transmission; a filterdefinition that includes at least one of a start and stop frequency, acenter frequency bandwidth and a filter type; gain settings; or powerlevel settings for each filter section, modem or communication settings,and general operating settings.
 25. The communication system of claim17, wherein the memory is further adapted to store a fourth condition,the fourth condition being satisfied when the communication system ismoving at a speed, which is greater or less than a threshold.
 26. Thecommunication system of claim 25, wherein the memory is adapted to storea fifth condition, the fifth condition being satisfied when a currenttime is between a start time and an end time.
 27. The communicationsystem of claim 26, wherein the at least one of the first condition, thesecond condition, the third condition, the fourth condition or the fifthcondition define a second conditional set, the second conditional setbeing associated with at least one configurable setting, wherein, bysatisfying at least one of the conditions defining the conditional set,the entire conditional set is satisfied.
 28. The communication system ofclaim 17, wherein the communication system further comprises adaptingthe communication system using the one or more configurable settingsassociated with the second conditional set, if it is determined that thesecond conditional set is met
 29. The communication system of claim 17,wherein the second condition and the third condition are arranged in alogical AND argument, wherein the first conditional set is satisfied byfulfilling the second and the third condition,
 30. The communicationsystem of claim 17, wherein the memory stores: information aboutcartographic boundaries; the first condition associated with at leastone configurable setting of the communication system, the firstcondition being met when the communication system is within a firstcartographic boundary bounding a city; the second and third conditions,wherein the second and third conditions are associated with at least oneconfigurable setting of the communication system, wherein the secondcondition is satisfied when the communication system is within a secondcartographic boundary bounding a land, the second cartographic boundarysurrounding the first cartographic border, and the third condition ismet when the communication system is outside the first cartographicboundary, wherein the at least one configurable setting comprisesadjusting the gain values of the communication system for differentfrequency subbands.
 31. The communication system of claim 17, whereincontroller is further configured to adjust some of the system's multipleconfigurable settings and leaving at least one of the configurablesettings unchanged.
 32. The communication system of claim 17, whereoperating conditions include properties of a network, wherein theproperties of the network include at least one of: a mobile countrycode; a mobile network code for a frequency group, which the frequencysubbands of an operator within an RF band represents; a cell identitycode; a location area code; a network color code; a base station colorcode; the presence of a signal in a particular frequency band; or thepresence of a signal in a particular subband range.
 33. Thecommunication system of claim 17, wherein the communication system isfurther adapted to: monitor the signal level of a received signalstrength indicator or the signal level of a decoded signal, within afrequency subband of an operator; and determine the current operatingconditions based on the monitored signal levels.
 34. The communicationsystem of claim 17, wherein signal characteristics indicate the currentoperating conditions, wherein the signal characteristics include atleast one of: a signal level of a received signal strength indicator; ora signal level of a decoded signal within a frequency subband of aparticular operator, wherein the decoded signal is either a beaconchannel for GSM or a pilot signal.
 35. The communication system of claim17, wherein the communication system is adapted to determine the speedof the communication system by means of a speedometer or GPS data overtime.
 36. The communication system of claim 17, wherein thecommunicating system is comprises within either a train a ship, or anaircraft.
 37. The communication system of claim 17, wherein the at leastone transmit antenna is attached to a train or ship.
 38. Thecommunication system of claim 17 further comprising a base station,wherein the communications signals are received by the base station. 39.The communication network of claim 38 further comprising at least onemobile device, wherein the mobile device is configured to receive theamplified signals from the transmission antenna.
 40. A mobile repeatercomprising: at least one receiving antenna for receiving communicationsignals from a base station; a controller for processing the receivedcommunication signals and amplifying the signals for retransmission; atleast one transmitting antenna for transmitting the amplified signals tomobile devices (30 in use on a train; an on-board GPS system connectedto Sending coordinate information to the controller by means of aninterface, the coordinate information indicating the geographicallocation of the repeater; a graphical user interface adapted to allowaccess to import, export and viewing of cartographic boundary files,using a cartographic border in conjunction with a map file as abackground; a memory adapted to store at least one of: information aboutcartographic boundaries; a first condition wherein the first conditionis met when the repeater is within a first cartographic boundarybounding a city; a first conditional clause, wherein the firstconditional clause comprises a second condition, wherein the secondcondition is satisfied when the repeater is within a second cartographicboundary defining a country, the second cartographic boundary within thefirst cartographic boundary, and includes a third condition, wherein thethird condition is satisfied when the repeater is outside the firstcartographic boundary; and a first configuration and a secondconfiguration, wherein at least one configurable setting is associatedwith one or both of the first configuration and the secondconfiguration, wherein a configurable setting comprises one or both of:a setting for the gain values of the repeater for different frequencysubbands or filter sections; and a setting to enable or disable therepeater signal transmission, wherein the first configuration isassociated with activating or deactivating the repeater signaltransmission and the second configuration is associated with setting therepeater gain values for different frequency subbands; wherein thecontroller is configured to: receive a plurality of inputs related tocurrent operating conditions for adjusting the at least one configurablesetting of the repeater based on the current operating conditions, theplurality of inputs including coordinate information indicating thegeographical location of the repeater, the coordinate information beingprovided by the on-board GPS System to be recorded; select the firstconfiguration in response to the first condition being met; select thesecond configuration in response to the second condition and the thirdcondition being met; and adjust the repeater to the one or moreconfigurable settings associated with the selected configuration.
 41. Acommunication system comprising: at least one receiving antenna forreceiving communication signals; processing circuits for processing thereceived communication signals and amplifying the signals forretransmission; at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting theamplified signals; wherein the processing circuits utilize at least oneconfigurable setting to control the operation of the communicationsystem, the configurable setting being adaptable to varying theoperation of the system; wherein the processing circuitry is furtheroperable to receive at least one input related to a current operatingcondition of the communication system, the processing circuitryselectively adjusting the at least one configurable setting of thesystem based on the at least one operating condition input.
 42. Acommunication system for use in a changing environment, the systemcomprising: at least one receive antenna for receiving communicationsignals; processing circuitry for processing the received communicationsignals and repeating the signals for further transmission; at least onetransmit antenna for transmitting the repeated signals; the processingcircuitry configured for utilizing at least one configurable setting forcontrolling the operation of the communication system, the configurablesetting being adaptable for varying the operation of the communicationsystem as environmental conditions, defined by one or more currentoperating conditions, change; a plurality of selectable and definedconfigurations stored in a memory, the configurations each beingassociated with a plurality of configurable settings for controlling theoperation of the processing circuitry of the communication system; aplurality of defined cartographic boundaries stored in the memory, arespective plurality of configurable settings being associated with eachrespective cartographic boundary; the processing circuitry furtheroperable for receiving at least one input regarding the one or morecurrent operating conditions of the communication system, wherein the atleast one current operating condition input includes at least one inputrepresenting a current geographical location of the communicationsystem; the processing circuitry configured for evaluating the receivedoperating condition inputs to determine if a current geographicallocation of the communication system falls inside a specificcartographic boundary and further configured for selecting from thememory a specific associated plurality of configurable settings that areassociated with the specific cartographic boundary and adapting a filterconfiguration to the associated plurality of configurable settings basedupon the current operating conditions.